Next week will mark a major shift at Walt Disney World Resort, as Blizzard Beach Water Park prepares to close its gates indefinitely.
The announcement brings to a close a unique summer in which—for the first time since 2019—guests could enjoy all six Walt Disney World destinations at once. From May 21 through September 7, both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach operated alongside Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Visitors were able to choose between the tropical escape of Typhoon Lagoon and the frosty thrills of Blizzard Beach in addition to the four theme parks.
This season of expanded offerings coincided with an equally exciting moment for Central Florida. On May 22, Universal Orlando Resort officially opened Epic Universe, its long-awaited third park. While many anticipated competition between the two companies, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro described the timing differently at the MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference (via Variety). “We’re always on the offensive… We’re constantly investing for the long term, fortifying each of our theme parks. If something is built new in central Florida, like Epic Universe, that tourist is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom.”
Even with all the attention on summer milestones, change has been constant at Walt Disney World. Across the resort, long-time attractions are making way for new stories. At Magic Kingdom, Frontierland is preparing for a new chapter, Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand U.S.A. is being reimagined, and Hollywood Studios is making way for Monstropolis. Farewell moments have also included the closure of It’s Tough to Be a Bug! and Muppet*Vision 3D earlier this year.
The water parks, meanwhile, have had a unique operating schedule since the pandemic. Traditionally, only one remained open at a time. Blizzard Beach began 2025 in operation before closing at the end of April after its 30th anniversary. Typhoon Lagoon reopened on May 1, and Blizzard Beach returned briefly on May 21 so that, for a short time, both parks could welcome guests together.
To make the water parks even more accessible, Disney introduced a new benefit for resort hotel guests. Announced on Disney Parks Blog in February 2024, the offering allows guests checking in during 2025 to enjoy admission to a water park on their arrival day.
“Disney Resort hotel guests arriving in 2025 can enjoy admission to one of our water parks, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, on their check-in day, included in their stay,” the blog shared. “The fun can start on day one at a Disney water park when you stay in the Disney Resorts Collection! And, yes, to all the Disney Vacation Club Members, Annual Passholders, and cast members, you can enjoy this benefit on check-in day for your Disney Resort hotel stay, too!”
The addition was welcomed as Disney navigated rising admission costs resort-wide. Complimentary water park entry gave families another way to enjoy day one of their vacation.
Still, as Disney shared in its announcement, the six-park summer ends September 7. Blizzard Beach will once again step aside, this time for an indefinite closure. Beginning September 8, only Typhoon Lagoon will remain available. While guests may miss Summit Plummet, Toboggan Racers, Melt-Away Bay, and Tike’s Peak, the closure continues the post-pandemic rotation that many have come to expect.
From EPCOT’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to the grandeur of Cinderella Castle, and from Hollywood Studios’ Tower of Terror to Pandora – The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom, there are always countless memories waiting at Walt Disney World Resort.
And while the next week will be Blizzard Beach’s final splash for now, the resort continues to evolve with new stories, experiences, and chapters still ahead.
